Module and support structure assembly

ABSTRACT

A module and support structure assembly, in particular for mounting on the windscreen of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle, that includes: a module having a housing; and a support structure adapted to carry the module, the housing and support structure comprising respective first and second fixation members cooperating with each other for releasable fixing, in particular by snapping, the module to the support structure. The housing and support structure further comprise cooperating positioning members that are configured to define a receiving position for the module on the support structure, in which the module is not fixed, and to assist in a guided fashion engagement of the first and second fixation members to bring the module in a fixed position.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a module and supportstructure assembly. The invention relates in particular to a supportstructure with mounting bracket for a vehicle windscreen and adapted forreleasable fixing a module such as a camera or other accessory.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Automobile vehicles which provide driving assistance are generallyconstructed with vision systems. For advanced driving assistance, visionsystems can be installed in the passenger compartment. For example, acamera can be arranged behind the windscreen in order to make the roadvisible. Typically, the camera is mounted on a support or bracket, whichis then fixed to the windscreen. The driving assistance requires arobust construction of the camera mounting system to be secure andensure safety of the passengers, especially in case of crash. However,the camera mounting system shall not be a permanent fixation in order toallow the removal of the camera, for example for maintenance. Clippingsystems (namely snap fit systems) have therefore been used to facilitatethe locking of the camera on the platform.

WO 2013/009368 A1 discloses a retention system, on a mounting structure,for a generally cylindrical component, the retention system comprising:a generally U-shaped metal spring clip comprising a base and a pair ofsymmetric resilient retainer arms extending from the base and definingan inlet passage; and a member holding the U-shaped spring clip. Theretainer arms have a substantially arcuate shape (hourglass-shapedprofile), so that each retainer arm contacts the component over asubstantial peripheral region, which allows securing the componentbetween the retainer arms.

Current issues with known mounting brackets are the fragility of thereleasable fixtures, which may not resist several mounting/dismountingrequired for maintenance, or may be damaged by a miss-assembly. In somedesigns, the locking grooves of the fixtures are oriented downwards,facilitating the detachment of the module on used mounting brackets.

Another camera mounting assembly is disclosed in EP 3 258 119. Themounting bracket disclosed therein has an improved retainer design witha metallic spring clip that has proved very robust in practice. Indeed,it allows detaching the camera from the mounting bracket several times,without risking damaging the retainers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is a module and support structure assembly that permitsa handy and reliable fixing of the module, while being releasable.

According to the present invention, a module and support structureassembly comprises a module having a housing; and a support structureadapted to carry said module, the housing and support structurecomprising respective first and second fixation members cooperating witheach other for releasable fixing, in particular by snapping, the moduleto the support structure.

It shall be appreciated that the housing and support structure furthercomprise cooperating positioning members that are configured to define areceiving position for the module on the support structure, in which themodule is not fixed, and to assist in a guided fashion engagement of thefirst and second fixation members to bring said module in a fixedposition.

In the present invention, the locking movement of the module is thuscarried out in an assisted/guided manner, which ensures a properengagement of the cooperating releasable fixation members. This ispermitted by the positioning members, which not only accompany theengaging movement of the positioning members in all directions, andhence reduce the risk of damage, but also acts as a first fool-proof(poke-yoke) means. Indeed, bringing the module in the receiving positionneeds a proper orientation of the module, avoiding miss-assemblies. Thepositioning means are further of advantage in circumstances where theaccess to the support structure is not comfortable and the operator doesnot readily have a view on the parts. Here, once the operator hasbrought the module on the support structure in receiving position, he isconfident that the cooperating fixation members can be properly engaged,as well as disengaged. Hence the present invention offers a handy andreliable assembly design.

The present invention has been particularly developed for application inautomotive vehicles, e.g. for modules such as cameras, vision systems ingeneral or other accessories, that may need to be securely anddetachably fixed in the vehicle (in the passenger compartment or in theengine or trunk). In particular, the present design allows a pluralityof mounting/dismounting of the module/camera on the support structure,as required e.g. during servicing (e.g. annual servicing) of a vehicle,where the windscreen can be more easily cleaned after removal of thecamera. It will however be apparent that the invention can be transposedto a variety of application where a module with any functionality needsto be assembled to a support structure.

The positioning members may comprise a protrusion and a cavity, theprotrusion being capable of rotation in the cavity so that the module isbrought by pivoting about a rotating axis from the receiving positioninto the fixed position. Preferably the cavity is provided in thesupport structure and the housing comprises a positioning pin fittinginto the cavity. In the receiving position the pin is within the cavity,so that it suffices to rotate/twist the module from the receivingposition to engage the cooperating fixation members and bring the modulein the fixed position. If desirable, the positioning cavity may comprisea snap-fit function to compensate for tolerances.

The positioning members are beneficial in that they provide a firstlevel of poke-yoke by defining a predetermined position in which themodule is to be oriented on the support structure. Furthermore, theyensure that the displacement movement required to engage the cooperatingfixation members is properly carried out, reducing risks of damaging thelatter. The fixation members being releasable, the positioning membersalso assist for the release/unlock movement of the camera.

Advantageously, poke-yoke means are further provided, which include atleast one guide feature on the support structure that limits the angulardisplacement of the module on the support structure, and thereby definesthe angular position corresponding to the receiving position. One ormore guide features may be provided on the support structure and maytake any appropriate form. Conveniently a pair of positioning walls arearranged on the support structure and spaced to accommodate the module,the positioning member of the support structure being located in-betweenthe guide walls or separating one of the guide walls in two portions.This prevents any initial miss-assembly of the module on the supportstructure to reach the receiving position.

The releasable fixation members may include a pin and a groove withsnap-fit function. The groove is preferably arranged on the supportstructure and the pin is provided on the module, although the contraryis possible. The pin preferably extends in a direction transversal (i.e.angled), in particular perpendicular, to the rotation axis of thepositioning members. Alternatively the pin may be parallel to therotation axis.

In embodiments, to further support the module, the latter is providedwith a further pin that is engaged, in the fixing position, in a grooveof a supporting member (which may by designed as groove of a fixationmember with snap-fit function).

The combination of pin and snap-fit groove is conveniently used for itsease of manufacturing, and since it provides an easily engageablereleasable fixture, in particular through the rotating movement impartedto the module. The snap-fit groove is easily formed by a plastic ormetallic C or U shaped element having appropriate resilience orelasticity. Those skilled in the art will however appreciate that thisis not critical and that a variety of releasable fixation members can beenvisaged, with any appropriate shape and design, based on snap-fit,interference-fit, flexible/elastic fit or friction fit.

A minimum of one set of cooperating releasable fixation members isrequired so that there is at least one fixation point of the module tothe support structure. However more fixation points can be used, withheavier modules.

When the module comprises two pins, they are preferably provided onopposite portions of the housing and extend along a respective axistransverse to said rotation axis, preferably perpendicular thereto, orcan be both parallel to the rotation axis. The corresponding grooves areadvantageously oriented such that their openings look in oppositedirections, E.g. backwards and rearwards in a car. In doing so, there isone groove looking opposite to a crash direction, reducing the risk ofcamera popping out.

In embodiments, the support structure comprises a platform with thefixation member(s), respectively the support member, and guide walls,wherein the rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the platformand wherein the grooves have an inlet region oriented such that it liesin a plane parallel to the platform. The pins are preferably arranged toextend along a same axis that passes through the positioning cavity forperfect turning.

In use, the platform is preferably substantially horizontally arranged(although any configuration is possible). The present assembly can beadapted for mounting to any kind of surface, in particular with anyinclination (namely any rake angle of a vehicle windscreen). The supportstructure may comprise a bracket portion, in particular connected to theplatform, for mounting to an external structure, in particular to avehicle windscreen. The bracket portion is configured so that in use,the platform preferably lies within +/−30° from the horizontal, morepreferably +/−10°, even more preferably less than 5°. The platform cane.g. also be directly affixed to a horizontal surface.

In many applications, as is the case for cameras, the module may have agenerally rectangular housing with front and rear faces, lateral edgesand top and bottom edges. The pins may protrude on opposite lateraledges. Alternatively the pins may be arranged to protrude from the frontand rear faces. the positioning pin may be arranged to protrude beyondthe top edge. In embodiments, depending on the space available on thesupport structure, the positioning pin is arranged on a tab protrudingfrom the rear face.

Further features and advantages will appear more clearly on a reading ofthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, which isgiven by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the camera in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the platform (seen from camera mountingside);

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the positioning members of thecamera and platform in alignment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the camera assembly as affixed to the innerside of a vehicle windscreen;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the camera in the receiving position onthe platform;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the camera in the fixed position on theplatform;

FIG. 7 is a detail of an embodiment of snap fit fixation member;

FIG. 8 is a detail of the support member;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the camera in a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the platform of the second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the positioning members of thecamera and platform in alignment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the camera in receiving position on theplatform of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the camera in fixed position on theplatform of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a detail of the fixation member of the platform of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the platform according to a thirdembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the camera in fixed position on theplatform of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side view the camera assembly as affixed to the inner sideof a vehicle windscreen with a rake angle of 0°; and

FIG. 18 is a side view the camera assembly as affixed to the inner sideof a vehicle windscreen with a rake angle of 90°.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However,it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the variousdescribed embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components,circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

‘One or more’ includes a function being performed by one element, afunction being performed by more than one element, e.g., in adistributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element,several functions being performed by several elements, or anycombination of the above.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, theseelements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only usedto distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contactcould be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact couldbe termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of thevarious described embodiments. The first contact and the second contactare both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

The terminology used in the description of the various describedembodiments herein is for describing embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting. As used in the description of the variousdescribed embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”,“an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood thatthe term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses all possiblecombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will befurther understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when”or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,”depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or“if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construedto mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upondetecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting[the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

Several embodiments of the present invention will now be described inrelation to an application to automotive vehicles, wherein the module isa camera to be mounted onto the inner side of a windscreen of apassenger compartment.

In the drawings, the longitudinal, transversal and vertical axes (X, Y,Z) are presented mainly for ease of explanation. The same applies to theterms “upper” and “lower”, which refer to the orientation in thefigures.

A first embodiment of an assembly 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. In FIG. 4the module/camera 12 is fixed to a support structure 14 formed asmounting bracket attached to the inner side of a vehicle windshield 16.The camera 12 is here represented in the “use” position, with its cameralens (objective) 18 turned towards the windscreen 16, i.e. looking tothe front of the vehicle.

In this embodiment the camera 12 has a generally rectangular housing 20with opposite front and rear sides 22 a, 22 b as well as top, bottom andlateral edges 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d.

FIG. 2 shows a receiving platform 26 of the support structure 14 that isconfigured to carry the camera 12 on a receiving side 26 a. In thisembodiment, the platform 26 is a generally rectangular plate havinglateral edges 28 (transverse direction Y) connecting front and rearedges 30 a, 30 b (running in longitudinal X direction). The platform 26is rigidly attached to a mounting portion 32 for mounting to thewindscreen. The mounting portion 32 extends at the rear of the platform26, opposite receiving side 26 a. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the mountingportion 32 includes a base plate 34 to be affixed, e.g. by gluing, tothe windscreen 16 and support walls 36 that connect the platform 26 tothe base plate 34.

The mounting portion 32 is advantageously configured so that theplatform 26 lies generally horizontally in use (X, Y plane), as shown inFIG. 4. Therefore, the walls 36 connecting the base plate 34 to theplatform lateral edges 28 are of triangular shape, tapering from rear tofront. However, depending on the application and embodiment, theplatform 26 may lie at other angles.

The platform 26 is provided on its receiving side 26 a with releasablefixation means and positioning means designed to cooperate withcorresponding means on the camera housing 20.

Advantageously, the fixing and positioning members on the camera takethe form of protruding, generally cylindrical components referred to aspins. Referring to FIG. 1, two pins 38 and 40 are arranged to protrudefrom the lateral edges 24 c and 24 d of the housing 20. They arepreferably aligned on a same axis P. In the shown embodiment, the pins38, 40 are slightly offset from the rear face 22 b and positioned at theheight of the upper corners. The positioning pin 42 protrudes upwardlybeyond the top edge 24 a. It here extends from a lug 43 attached to therear housing side 22 b. In the view of FIG. 1 the camera is oriented asin FIG. 4 (use configuration). As will be understood, the axis P of thelateral pins 38, 40 is thus substantially horizontal, whereas thepositioning pin extends perpendicularly to axis P and thus vertically inuse (parallel to axis Z). In FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6 the camera 12 is thusshown upside down, as well as the platform 26, for ease ofrepresentation and explanation.

Turning back to FIG. 2, reference sign 44 designates a releasablefixation member that defines a snap-fit receiving groove 46 adapted tohold lateral pin 38. Fixation member 44 is arranged about one lateraledge 28 of the platform 26. At the opposite end is a support member 48that comprises a groove 50 adapted to receive the opposite lateral pin40.

The positioning means include a positioning cavity 52, typically acylindrical bore (e.g. formed by a sleeve) arranged through the platform26 and defining a rotation axis R for the positioning pin 42.

As explained above, in use the platform preferably lies substantiallyhorizontal. The positioning bore 52 thus extends substantiallyvertically to define a vertical rotation axis R (parallel to Z axis) forpositioning pin 42. Also to be noticed, since the lateral pins 38 and 40are on axis P, the grooves 46 and 50 are also aligned.

Remarkably, the positioning means are configured to define a receivingposition for the camera 12 on the support structure (respectivelyplatform 26), in which the camera 12 is not fixed, and to assist in aguided fashion engagement of the pins 38 and 40 with the respectivegrooves 46 and 50 defined by the fixation member 44 and support member48, in order to bring the camera in a fixed position.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the assembly procedure of the camera 12 onthe platform 26 starts with introducing positioning pin 42 intopositioning cavity 52. The positioning cavity 52 permits accuratelypositioning the camera 12 on the platform 26 before engaging the pins 38and 40 in their respective grooves. In the configuration shown in FIG.5, the positioning pin 42 is inside positioning cavity 52 and camera 12is in contact with the platform 26; the pins 38 and 40 are facing thegrooves 46 and 50 and ready to be engaged therein: this is the receivingposition.

As will be understood from FIG. 5, rotating the camera about axis R(from the receiving position) towards the fixation and support members44, 48 (i.e. here clockwise) will permit engaging the lateral pins 38,40 into the respective grooves. The resulting fixing position isillustrated in FIG. 6. Since the fixation member cavity is designed assnap-fit retainer, it will allow, upon overcoming an entry force, tosecurely hold the lateral pin in position. In the present embodiment,the fixation member includes a metal clip whereas the support member issimply designed as a U-shaped cavity. The latter will be described inmore detail below.

It may however be noticed that the respective inlet openings of bothgrooves 46 and 50 are opposed to one another. That is, the inlet passageof the metal clip 60 is facing, in use, the interior of the car, whereasthe opening of the support member groove 50 is turned toward thewindscreen. This configuration is only exemplary. In practice the fixingand support members may actually be inverted, so that the metal clipopening looks towards the windscreen and the support members looksrearwards.

In order to further assist in the guidance during camera assembly, apair of guide walls are advantageously provided on the platform, whichact as poke-yoke means. The front and rear guide walls 54, 56 extendgenerally along the length direction (X direction) of the platform andare positioned to form stop surfaces for the camera 12 in the receivingand fixing positions. The guide walls 54 and 56 may generally be uprightwalls, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the platform plane.

The rear guide wall 56 comprises two wall portions 56 a and 56 bextending on both sides of the positioning bore 52. It can be noticedthat the wall edges adjacent the positioning bore 52 are rounded toprovide smooth guidance when approaching the positioning pin 42 of thebore 52. A first wall portion 56 a defines the angular position of thecamera housing in the receiving position, as seen in FIG. 5. In thefixed position, the camera housing 20 is aligned with the second rearwall portion 56 b. Also to be noted here is the slanted external edge 56c of second wall portion 56 b for the passage of a connector 58protruding from the rear side 22 b of the camera.

In a similar manner, front guide wall 54 also comprises two portions. Afirst portion 54 a oriented approximately similar to the first portion56 a of the rear wall, delimits the angular displacement in thereceiving position. The second portion 54 b corresponds to the fixingposition. The upper 54 c edge of the second wall is arc-shaped toaccommodate the lower part of the camera lens 18. It may be noted thatguide walls 54 and 56 further assist in maintaining the camera in placein case of crash.

Turning now to FIG. 7, the fixation member 44 of platform 26 isillustrated in detail. It is designed as a retainer system with agenerally U-shaped spring clip 60 mounted on a holding member 62attached to the platform 26. Spring clip 60 comprises a base 60 a and apair of resilient retainer arms 60 b, which define an inlet passage 63and form the retainer groove 46. It can be observed here that the inlet63 of groove 46 is oriented such that it lies in a plane parallel toplatform 26. Engagement of pin 38 occurs by moving the latter along saidplane in the groove 46.

The retainer arms 60 b are adapted to engage with a first side 64 of thecamera pin 38 that faces the inlet passage 63. Holding member 62comprises one rigid retention wall or multiple rigid retentionwalls—here two walls 64, which extend inside the spring clip 60 and areadapted to engage with the opposite second side 66 of pin 38 at distancefrom the clip base 60 a. The configuration shown in FIG. 7 correspondsto the working position of the retention system: it is the stableposition in which the fixing pin 38 is securely retained by the springclip 60. In working position, the pin 38 is locked in place at itsperiphery by the resilient arms 60 b pressing the pin 38 against theretention walls 64. This retainer system is disclosed in more details inEP 3 258 119.

The support member 48, shown in detail at FIG. 8, is here simplydesigned as a U-shaped groove 50 to support the opposite lateral pin 40.It comprises a base 68 attached to the platform 26 and a bent finger 70having a raised portion 70 a and a terminal 70 b portion runningparallel to the base 68. The inner dimensions of the U-shaped groove areselected to accommodate the corresponding lateral pin 40 with someoperational play. Here again the inlet of groove 50 is oriented suchthat it lies in a plane parallel to the platform 26.

It may be noted at this point that whereas in FIG. 4 the mountingportion 32 is configured for mounting on a windscreen with anintermediate range of rake angle, the present design can easily beadapted to any angle of window or wall. This is done by modifying theconfiguration of the mounting portion 32 at the rear of the platform.Referring to FIG. 18, mounting portion 32′ is configured to connect thehorizontal 26 platform to the base plate 34′ that is arranged at 90°with respect to the platform, allowing for mounting onto a verticalwindow 16′ or wall.

In FIG. 17 the platform 26 is directly applied by its rear side 26 b,opposite camera side 26 a, to a horizontal window 16″.

An alternative design of the platform will now be explained withreference to FIGS. 9 to 14. Having regard to the previous embodiment,same or similar elements are indicated by same reference signs,augmented by 100.

Referring to FIG. 9, the lateral pins 138 and 140 are arranged toprotrude from the lateral edges but do not protrude from the front orrear sides (i.e. they are not offset as in the first embodiment).Similarly the positioning pin 142 is arranged to protrude directly fromthe top edge 124 a, and here is actually at mid-distance from the frontand rear sides. As compared to the previous embodiment, positioning pin142 is closer to one lateral edge (the right edge 124 d in FIG. 9).

In FIG. 10 one will recognize platform 126 with its positioning means,i.e. cavity/bore 152; a pair of releasable fixation members areindicated 176 and 176′. As it will appear from the following Figures,the assembly of the camera is carried out in a similar manner as in theprevious embodiment: the camera is first positioned on the platform 126with the positioning pin 142 in positioning bore 152, i.e. in thereceiving position of FIG. 12, and from there the camera is pivoted (inthis view in counterclockwise direction), to engage the pins 138, 140with the fixation members 176 and 176′ to bring the camera in the fixedposition of FIG. 13.

Compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the principal changes arethe location of the positioning pin 142 on the camera housing and thedesign of the releasable fixing means 176 and 176′.

Since the positioning pin 142 is extending directly from the top edge124 a of the housing 120, the positioning cavity 152 is locatedin-between front and rear guide walls 154 and 156. That is, the rearguide wall 156 is not divided in two spaced portions by the positioningcavity 152.

Here again, the rear guide wall 156 comprises a first portion 156 adefining the angular position of the receiving position and secondportion 156 b delimiting the fixed position. Similarly, front guide wall154 comprises a first portion 154 a corresponding to the angularposition of the camera in the receiving position and a second portion154 b delimiting the fixed position. The front wall 154 has a shaped topedge 154 c to accommodate the camera lens 118.

In the present variant the releasable fixation members 176 and 176′ aremade from plastic and define a retainer groove 177, 177′ with snap-fitfunction; they are identical in design. As seen in FIG. 10 and in moredetail in FIG. 14, fixation member 176, 176′ comprises a base portion178 connected to platform 126 and a flexible/resilient L-shaped finger180 extending from the base portion to define the retainer groove. Thegroove is shaped as a U or C, being defined by the upper edge 178 a ofthe base portion (opposite surface 126 a), an upright portion of finger180 a and a terminal portion of finger 180 b extending parallel to upperedge.

To provide the snapping function, blocking ribs or beads, or sharpedges, designated 182, are provided on the terminal finger portion 180 band on the upper edge 178 a, in facing relationship. These ribs 182 areprovided to engage with inner and outer sides (relative to the grooveinlet) of the pin 138, thereby stably holding the pin 138 inside groove177′, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs or sharp edges 182 are obtainedby providing a recess 184 in the facing surfaces of finger portion 180 band upper edge 178 a. Preferably, in the fixed position the pin 138 isalso in contact with the base of the groove, i.e. with raised fingerportion 180 a.

Optional elastic members may be provided to compensate for tolerances.These will be explained in relation to still another design of theplatform represented in FIGS. 15 and 16. As will be seen, the platform226 is designed to cooperate with the camera of FIG. 9 but uses thefixation member 244 and support member 248 of FIG. 2.

Accordingly, reference signs of FIG. 9 are used for the camera andreference signs of FIG. 2, augmented by 200, are used for like elementson the platform.

The pivoting cavity 252 is placed in-between guide walls 254 and 256.The camera 112 is assembled to the platform 226 by inserting positioningpin 142 into cavity 252 and turning the camera about rotation axis R toengage the pins 138 and 140 into respective grooves 246 and 250.

An elastic tab 290 is arranged along external edge 228 to exert a forceon pin 140 in the direction of Axis P, towards fixation member 248.Another elastic tab 292 is provided on the front guide wall 254 to presson the camera front side in fixed position.

In the above embodiments, the platform 26, 126, 226 can be manufacturedfrom any appropriate plastic material. The features on the platform(fixing/support members and guide walls) can be conveniently integrallyformed with the platform plate, e.g. by injection molding, or fixedthereto. For the fixation member 44 the holding member 62 is made fromplastic whereas the spring clip is made from appropriate metal, e.g.steel/spring steel.

While this invention has been described in terms of the preferredembodiments thereof, it is not intended to be so limited, but ratheronly to the extent set forth in the claims that follow.

We claim:
 1. A module (12) and support structure (14) assembly formounting on the windscreen of a passenger compartment of an automotivevehicle, comprising: a module (12) having a housing (20); a supportstructure (14) adapted to carry said module, the housing and supportstructure comprising a first fixation member and a second fixationmember cooperating with each other for releasable fixing by snapping,said module to said support structure; characterized in that saidhousing and support structure further comprise cooperating positioningmembers (42; 52) that are configured to define a receiving position forthe module on the support structure, in which the module is not fixed,and to assist in a guided fashion engagement of the first fixationmember and the second fixation member to bring said module in a fixedposition.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the positioningmembers comprise a protrusion (42) and a cavity (52), wherein saidprotrusion is capable of rotation in said cavity so that said module isbrought by pivoting about a rotating axis (R) from said receivingposition into said fixed position.
 3. The assembly according to claim 2,wherein said cavity (52) is provided in said support structure and saidhousing comprises a positioning pin (42) fitting into said cavity,wherein in said receiving position said pin is within said cavity. 4.The assembly according to claim 1, comprising poke-yoke means includingat least one guide feature on said support structure that limits theangular displacement of said module on said support structure, andthereby defines the angular position corresponding to the receivingposition.
 5. The assembly according to claim 4, comprising a pair ofguide features in the form of positioning walls (54, 56; 154, 156) onsaid support structure and spaced to accommodate the module, thepositioning member (52) of said support structure being locatedin-between said guide walls or separating one of said guide walls in twoportions.
 6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the firstfixation member includes a pin (38) and a groove (44) with snap-fitfunction.
 7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein said pin extendsin a direction transversal, in particular perpendicular, to saidrotation axis.
 8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said modulecomprises a further pin (40) that is engaged, in said fixed position, ina groove of a supporting member (48) or in a further groove of a thefirst fixation member with snap-fit function.
 9. The assembly accordingto claim 8, wherein said pins are provided on opposite portions of saidhousing and extend along a respective axis transverse to said rotationaxis (R), preferably perpendicular thereto, and wherein said grooveshave openings looking in opposite directions.
 10. The assembly accordingto claim 2, wherein said support structure comprises a platform (26)with the first fixation member and the second fixation member,respectively support member, and guide feature(s), wherein said rotationaxis (R) is substantially perpendicular to said platform and wherein thegrooves have an inlet region oriented such that it lies in a planeparallel to said platform.
 11. The assembly according to claim 10,wherein said pins extend along a same axis (P) that passes through saidpositioning cavity.
 12. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein thesupport structure comprises a bracket portion, in particular connectedto said platform, for attachment to an external structure, in particularto a vehicle windscreen; and wherein said bracket portion is configuredso that in use, said platform lies within +/−30° from the horizontal,preferably +/−10°, more preferably less than 5°.
 13. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein said housing has front and rear faces,lateral edges and top and bottom edges, wherein said pins protrude onopposite lateral edges or faces, whereas said positioning pin isarranged to protrude beyond said top edge.
 14. The assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said positioning pin is arranged on a tab protrudingfrom said rear face.